We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Peyton Dochterman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peyton below.

Alright, Peyton thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

I’ve found myself in reflection of my undergraduate schooling a lot recently- probably because I just graduated from my university. I think one of the most impactful lessons I have taken away is that you really can look to mentors in the industry for advice and career help. I decided to take advantage of these relationships early on in my four-year program. For me, my mentors included a wide range of individuals- from former and current professors to those I had admired from afar on Instagram. I have never been hesitant to reach out to people because I figure they were once in my position too, just searching for someone who would take a chance on them and show them the ropes. Everyone that I have reached out to via Instagram or email has been more than willing to help, and these small gestures have always led me to long-term relationships and getting added to teams/sets that I have wanted to work with/on. Anyways, my point here is- I encourage younger photographers- especially students- to reach out to whoever they’re inspired by. The reality is, the person on the receiving end was once in your position, and will most likely be more than willing to chat. This lesson has been crucial to my growth as a photographer as it has ultimately built relationships with artists I can learn from, and has also allowed me to get my name on people’s radars.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

To introduce myself, my name is Peyton Dochterman, and I am a female photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. I specialize in film photography; I especially love shooting and processing medium format film. This definitely sets me apart from other current photographers, as most people my age grew up on digital forms of photography. I did too, but college really opened my eyes up to the possibilities and the artistry of film. Taking history of photography classes taught me that film photography is just so much more than what people expect it to be. It requires a lot more attention, skill, and focus to create stunning images on film. Film also pushes past the typical, perfectly-exposed image that most digital photographers are seeking out on the daily. Analog photography, in my opinion, nudges photographers to be a little more creative and experimental as you never really know what you’re going to get until the roll is processed. Additionally, I love that I specialize in film as brands seem to be looking to market themselves through film photography now as it is a very niche and trendy thing right now.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Word of mouth has been insanely beneficial for me in growing my clientele. I have found that many of my clients find me through friend referrals or reposts on Instagram. I feel so lucky that people like my work enough to recommend me to others.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes! I am currently enrolled in a photo/entrepreneurial program called The Modern Photography Academy by fashion photographer, Carly Dame. If you have the funds and can splurge on this program, it has been so helpful to my business. I have learned how to pitch myself to brands first so I don’t have to wait around for them to find me. In this academy, Carly is so raw about her experience and the difficulties of this industry; it’s really refreshing for someone to be so honest and transparent about this, as not many successful photographers are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://peytondochterman.com
• Instagram: @peytondochtermanphoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/peyton-dochterman

Image Credits
Models: Bryanna Jacobs & Lola Williams, Kate Thorbury, Olivia Kingsbury, Emma Poe